Postdoc Position in Soft Robotic Locomotion Control and Learning

Updated: over 1 year ago
Deadline: 15 Oct 2022

The Center for Soft Robotics in SDU Biorobotics at the University of Southern Denmark invites applications for a fully-funded 3-year Postdoctoral position in Soft Robotics. The starting date for the position is February 1, 2023, or soon thereafter. The workplace will be at SDU campus in Odense.

About the project
Snakes navigate with ease through narrow passages by moving in straight lines rather than waving their spine. This project is focused on the design, fabrication, proprioceptive feedback control, and neural learning of a soft robotic crawler to mimic the snake’s rectilinear gait. Inspired by this unique locomotion skill, you will contribute to the development of an autonomous soft crawling robot that can learn to move efficiently through complex terrains. This project requires system-level development of hardware and software to integrate actuation, sensing, power supply, and computation in a unified soft robotic system. The position is funded by the VILLUM Foundation Young Investigator Programme .

Research Environment
The University of Southern Denmark in Odense is a rich environment for research and innovation within robotics and automation. SDU Biorobotics  spans a broad range of expertise and research interests, including soft robotics, robot swarms, artificial intelligence, bio-inspired control, embedded electronics, and mechatronics. 

The Center for Soft Robotics  is a growing research group in SDU Biorobotics. We design, build and program next-generation bioinspired soft robots that use compliance as an integral part of their intelligence. In our research, we aim for a systems-level integration in designing and building soft robots. We use innovative soft materials and structures to develop AI matter and imbue soft robots with embedded sensing and interactive functionalities. We adopt biologically inspired control and learning strategies to enable such soft machines to communicate efficiently with humans e.g., through aesthetic expressions and navigate dexterously through complex terrains. 

The Center for Soft Robotics is an engaging and collaborative environment with a highly multicultural, multinational diverse team. We work together and with other researchers and our industrial partners to translate the outcome of our research into impactful applications.

About the Candidate
We are looking for a highly motivated, competent, and enthusiastic scientist with:

  • A recent PhD in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, robotics, computer science, or a related field,
  • Research experience in soft robotics, bioinspired control (e.g., CPG), and machine learning
  • Drive to design, fabricate, and program soft robots,
  • Excellent programming skills
  • High-quality publications in peer-reviewed journals (include max 3 publications in your application)
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills in English

The successful candidate is expected to participate in the teaching activities of the Center for Soft Robotics and SDU Biorobotics, and supervision of junior students.

Contact Information: Further information about this position is available via email from Associate Professor Ahmad Rafsanjani ([email protected] ).

If you experience technical problems you must contact [email protected]

Conditions of employment
Employment as a postdoc requires scientific qualifications at PhD level. Employment as a postdoc is temporary and will cease without further notice at the end of the period.

Research will be predominant in the position. Teaching assignments can be agreed individually. Furthermore, other types of assignments may occur to a limited degree. The Faculty determines the distribution of the various assignments. The weighting of the different assignments may vary over time.

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Please check links for more information on salary and taxation .

The assessment process
Read about the Assessment and selection process . Shortlisting may be used. 

Application procedure

The faculty expects applicants to read How to apply before applying. 

The application must be in English and must include:

  • Motivated application
  • Detailed Curriculum Vitae 
  • Certificates/Diplomas (MSc and PhD) 
  • List of publications indicating the publications attached
  • Examples of the most relevant publications. Please attach one pdf-file for each publication
  • Reference letters and other relevant qualifications may also be included.

The application deadline is 15.10.2022.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark.

Further information  about The Faculty of Engineering.



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